The various versions of the southern cross flags flutter in the breeze, the sounds of musket fire and the smell of black powder filled the air as heritage was shown and a local member of the Confederate States of America was honored Saturday, Feb. 22.

Second Lieutenant Joseph Branan was, a member of the Twenty-Fifth Regiment Infantry, Company K, Alabama Volunteers, was honored for his service. Heritage buffs and descendants gathered at the Snodgrass (Branan) Cemetery near the end of CR NE 3350.

Joyce Fountain and Paul Lindsey, both great-great-great-grandchildren of Joseph Branan performed the actual unveiling of the marker. Mrs. Fountain, a heritage enthusiast, did the research and application for the marker. She proudly notes this was the 24 such marker she has help place.

Joe Skipper of Daingerfield, the great-great-grandson of Joseph Branan read the researched history. Included were the honoree’s four sons. Two of the sons, who are buried near their father, were honored in the ceremony, Pvt. Luther Branan, and Pvt. Jonathan Branan, both CSA veterans.

The posting of the colors and 21 gun salute to the Branans was performed by the Lone Star Honor Guard, under the command of First Sgt. Paul Hamilton. The honor guard was made up of representatives from a variety of chapters and camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, including the Red Diamond Chapter, Matt Barton Camp, Upshur County Patriots, General John Gregg Chapter, and the Walter P. Lane Camp.

Members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and Order of the Confederate Rose performed a dedication ceremony and placing of a wreath of flowers at the grave site. Included were members of the Ema Sampson Chapter of the OCR and the Albert Pike and Charles B. Harris chapters of the UDC.

Linda Gramlin, president of the Louisiana Division of the UDC, and her husband, Gen. Richard Taylor, Heritage Defense Chaplin, Army of Trans Mississippi, SCV, spoke to those gathered about the importance of remembering and fighting for preservation our heritage.

Archie Hass “Otter” performed “Amazing Grace” on a cane flute as a tribute from the Cherokee Nation. Paul Hamilton played “Taps,” and drummer Ben Hay kept cadence.

“The Flag my Grandpa Knew” a poem by Ronnie Hatfield, and the SVC Charge was read by Robert Bailey, Commander of the Walter P. Lane Camp #1455.

The invocation and benediction were given by Chaplain Jerry Haymes. The welcome, pledges and salutes were led by H.M. Meredith, Adjutant with the Walter P. Lane Camp.